On Saturday, May 2nd, the Kids Changing the World club at Monroe-Woodbury High School participated in the Clean Sweep. Community members of all ages and from all over town worked together to clear trash from the roads, sidewalks, and parks. “My favorite part was seeing people of all ages and lifestyles coming together for their own,” said the leader of the project for Kids Changing the World, Kaia Carrillo.
This year’s Sweep brought a large number of people. The turnout proved how many people have concern for keeping Monroe clean and safe for everyone. Many said they would, in fact, do it again. “I would definitely do it again next year and maybe even help plan it to get even more people involved because I feel like this event can only get better,” said a volunteer.
The sweep united students, parents, and families who strove to make a difference. Volunteers contributed their time collecting amassing plastic, metal, and even critters. “It was actually kinda gross, I looked down and I saw a slug on my arm…” said student and member of Kids Changing the World, Kylie Baisley. “…but I noticed a lot of fast food containers like Dunkin and Wendys.”
Participants mentioned they joined with family members or friends and even helped to plan it. Kaia Carrillo and her mother helped plan the sweep this year. She stated, “This year my mom actually helped plan it, and I have always been a part of the Clean Sweep.” Many, if not all, who joined the Sweep care deeply about the environment, and their main goal is to make a difference. “I want to go to college for environmental engineering, so helping keep the environment healthy is a big thing for me.”
Eliminating litter does not only improve the look of the town, but also secures local wildlife. Animals often get stuck in items like Gatorade plastics, nets, and other trash. Volunteers alleviated this factor for the animals who roam Monroe. Volunteer Kylie Baisley explained this is why she volunteered in the first place: “I know many animals could get hurt on trash like these, that’s why I signed up…”
By the end of the day, volunteers collected countless bags and made an evident difference throughout the town. Seeing everyone bonding together, laughing with dirt on their hands and garbage bags in hand showed the beauty of what happens when people come together and show pride for their community.
